1 Our tongues were made to bless the Lord,
And not speak ill of men:
When others give a railing word,
We must not rail with them.
Cross words and angry names required
To be chastised at school;
But he's in danger of hell fire
That calls his brother fool.

2 But lips that dare be so profane
To mock, and jeer, and scoff
At ministers, or ordained men,
The Lord shall cut them off.
When children, in their wanton play,
Served old Elisha so,
And bade the prophet go his way,
"Go up, thou bald head, go!"

3 God quickly stopped their wicked breath;
And sent two raging bears,
That tore them limb from limb to death,
With blood, and groans, and tears.
Great God! How terrible art thou
To sinners e'er so young:
Grant us thy grace, and teach us how
To tame and rule our tongue.